Tuncay ready to fight for Stoke place

15 September 2010 12:30

Stoke striker Tuncay Sanli insists he is happy to fight for his place at the Britannia Stadium.

The Turkey international was linked with a move away from the Potteries in the summer after manager Tony Pulis brought in Kenwyne Jones, Jon Walters and Eidur Gudjohnsen.

Tuncay was not even on the bench for Monday's match against Aston Villa and left the ground before kick-off, but he told The Sentinel: "Every player wants to play and I am an emotional person, but for the gaffer it is very hard with his choices, because he has so many options. I am okay and there is no problem with the gaffer."

He added: "I still love the club and the supporters. I love them and they love me. This is my team and my job is here.

"It is only the weather I do not like here."

The majority of Tuncay's 40 appearances for Stoke have come as a substitute but, with Turkey having begun their Euro 2012 qualifying campaign, he is determined to keep staking his claim.

"If I am not ready for Stoke, then I am not ready for Turkey," he added. "That is why I am ready to play all the time."